I bought my first databack
for my FM way back in 1981. It was a very 'strange' film back. It has a cord that
connect and hooks from the top of the film back to the PC terminal in front of the
camera. Each time when you finish a roll, you have to detach the connection so that
the filmback can be open for unloading the film cartridge. That was the first databack
for the FM and FE, MF-12
Databack.

Why was the MF-12 designed
that way ?
Because both the FM/FE hasn't got databack contacts on the back of the camera. Shown
below is the FE2 with the databack terminals for data communication between the camera
and the film back. But since the older MF-12 Databack uses the PC terminal as the
primary contact, it also means the MF-12 can be shared as a standard accessory workable on ALL
models within the
FM/FE/FA (EXCEPT FM10/FE10) - In fact, Shriro confirmed to me that some parts and
accessory for the MF-12 is still available as new (As at November 1998). The FM3a
should able to work as well, please update this in case you have a unit.

The FM2 was the first FM/FE2/FA series
model(s) that incorporated with the databack contacts at the back of the camera for
cordless data back communication. A new dedicated databack was brought by Nikon for
the newer cameras that has the terminals.

The databack MF-16,
can be shared by the Nikon FM2(n), FE2 , FA and the FM3a.
But it cannot be used on the earlier FM and FE as both earlier bodies has no such
terminals at the back. The MF-12 can still be used on all the cameras mentioned,
but you have to make use of the PC terminal in front. I don't have the MF-12 anymore,
but I can still remember whenever the shutter trips, the numerals behind LCD panel
blinks as per-exposure, ha!

When mounted with a databack on the
camera, it looks very rigid. The slightly contoured palm rest (Battery compartment)
provides a firm grip with your thumb. The main purpose of a databack is to provide
some basic info on the eventual photograph(s).

The MF12/MF16 is a very straight
databack. It provides three imprinting modes: year/month/day (up to the year 2100),
day/hour/minute, or picture counting (up to 2000); each mode is displayed on the
data back in the LCD numerals and printed by LED's, on the photo in red numerals.
Serving as a handy clock, a quartz timer with alarm is incorporated.

The concealed control panel, when
flip open, will show the adjustment. If you have so basic knowledge in adjusting
a digital clock, you shouldn't have any problem handling it.

Things to note when you are
handling a databack imprint (Which can be cancelable), follows the instruction at
the back of the MF16 to adjust the film speed settings (H, M, L) for proper
contrast in the eventual photograph.

The 'Print' button
is the execution or cancellation button. Press once to activate or cancel the process.
This is very useful as not all images require a data imprint. The LCD panel, will
have a flashing 'print' word to indicate imprinting is active. The MF-16 is supplied
as optional film back. Simple in operation and very reliable. I haven't seen any
innovative functions being introduced since the MF-12. But when you compared with
the current databack, this is a very basic databack indeed. Note: A comprehensive
databack like the F90 command back or the F5 MF-28 can be mind boggling to use -
but also enhance great capabilities in various potentials like freeze focus etc.
The camera usually has minimum 4-5 contacts for data communications. The MF-16 in
this case, cannot be compared directly. But it serves its main purpose of provide/record
only basic essential data: year/month/day or day/hour/ minute on your pictures, or
number them. Depends on which type of data you choose, it will be imprinted - clearly,
unobtrusively on the finished photograph in red numerals (Provided you adjust the
film speed for the right contrast on the eventual print/slides). Oh, the MF-16 is
quartz control.

It can record year/month/day
or day/hour/ minute on your pictures, or number them in sequence. While the built
in alarm clock can be irritating or convenient feature depends how you positive you
valued it. Most of the time, users take a positive approach, esp. when you're on
a photo-shooting engagement away from home or when you need a watch and perhaps you
have forgotten to bring along. Anyway, the alarm clock is cancelable

Updated: The current FE10 & FM10 is not
provided with a data terminal and thus, it cannot used with the MF-16 (Neither the
size of the bodies fit that as well).

Credit: Chuck Hester for some of his untiring effort in
te development of these sites; TedWengelaar®,Hollandfor his continuous flow of input; LarsHolstHansen, Danish 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion;
Ms Miss Rissa
(Sales Manager) & members of the Technical Service dept. of Shriro Malaysia,
local distributor of Nikon cameras in Malaysia & Singapore, in providing so many
useful input to make this site possible. Special thanks to Mr MC Lau,
who has helped with his images of the MF-12 databack. Michael Tan, Pertama Photo
(603-2926505) for lending his original Titanium Shutter Display Unit. Hiura Shinsaku, Nikomat ML, Japan
for his contribution on all the various images; A contributing site to a long
lost friend
on the Net. Note: Certain content
and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets,
brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality
of their own work to publish in this site based on educational merits. The creator
of this site will not be responsible for any discrepancies that may arise from such
possible dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat",
"Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan.
Made
witha PowerMac.